Author's Note: I didn't want to write this chapter, because it means the end of the story. Nooooooooo! But you can read my other fanfics if you liked this one.

"How long have I been asleep?" He thought for a moment. "At least a few days, going by the state of John's clothes." He looked at John again. "Have you stayed with me all this time? You have, haven't you! No wait, you left when other visitors came, but for the most part you stayed by my side. Thank you, John."

"Feeling better?" John said, looking concerned but also surprised at Sherlock's deduction.

"Oh yes. Much better. So how have things fared for the rest of you?" He looked at Lestrade and Molly. "No wait, let me guess." He turned to Lestrade and looked at him closely, and then he spoke. "You've had a rough time with me gone. The police have had an awful time getting anything done without my help. You're mad at me about that, but also very concerned as to my well-being. You haven't had a good night's sleep in weeks. You've been so worried about me that it has affected your entire life: eating, sleeping, getting up out of bed and going to work. Forget Scotland Yard, you need me. You've missed me desperately and are overjoyed that I'm back." He looked at Molly. "You saw me lose my intelligence, and that didn't bother you. You saw me lose my morale, and you got upset. You insisted that I should believe in myself. You made it your job to make me feel better and find meaning in life. When I slipped into a coma, you were terribly afraid. The first thing you did was go home and cry. You never really stopped crying until I woke up. You also bit your nails in nervousness. When you began to worry that I would never wake up, you decided to pull together and tell me something you've been wanting to tell me ever since you met me. We both sort of knew it, but never discussed it. You told me you love me. And you were right; I don't know how to respond. I'm flattered that you find me desirable, but I can't say I reciprocate. Although I can thank you for being a brilliant assistant and apologize for taking you for granted."

•••

"How did you know all that?" John asked. Sherlock shrugged.

"I used my Mind Palace." He paused a moment in recognition. "I used my Mind Palace!" A smile beamed across his face. He jumped up on the table. "I used my Mind Palace!"

"Might I ask what's going on here?" a doctor who was walking by asked.

"Doctor, could you please give me an IQ test?" Sherlock asked, stepping down from the table. He took the test. "So, how did I do?"

"Well, I don't quite know what to make of these results, but if I administered the test correctly..."

"Yes?"

"Your score is 182."

"Yes!"

"So you're back to the old Sherlock?" John asked. Sherlock smiled.

"Yes, but I won't be exactly the same. I promise to be less reckless."

"Thank goodness."

"And..."

"And?"

"I promise that I won't be completely cold and unfeeling anymore." Molly smiled. "Don't expect me to be a sappy love god or a blubbering mess, but I won't try to hide my emotions any more."

"Well I'm glad you learned something." John said.

"Ready to get back to work?" Lestrade asked.

"Always."